45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE BOARD OF NURSING TO CONVENE AN ADVISORY GROUP TO STUDY THE POSSIBLE EXPANSION OF THE ROLE OF MEDICATION AIDES IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

WHEREAS, long-term care for the citizens of New Mexico has been recognized by this legislature as important to the general welfare; and

WHEREAS, staffing is an issue that is often addressed; and

WHEREAS, the shortage of health care workers, including nurses, has affected the ability of long-term care facilities to deliver services to residents; and

WHEREAS, one of the ways explored in other jurisdictions to extend the services of nurses is through the use of medication aides; and

WHEREAS, the extent to which the use of the services of medication aides in long-term care facilities is appropriate is an inquiry that might result in the delivery of improved services;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the board of nursing be requested to convene an advisory group to study the possible expansion of the role of medication aides in long- term care facilities, including any statutory and regulatory barriers to expansion that may exist; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory group consist of representatives of the affected parties, including health care providers, health care advocates, the department of health and the state agency on aging; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the advisory group report its findings and recommendations to an appropriate interim committee by December 1, 2002; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the board of nursing, the department of health and the state agency on aging.